Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) - formerly Rape Crisis Center, Inc. - began advocating for victims of sexual assault in 1973 after people learned that no resources were available for women who reported sexual assault to the police, or were treated for assault at the hospital.   No resources were available for those who chose to not report the crime, either.   So survivors organized a grass-roots support, advocacy, and referral network.   In 1974 the group grew through membership and expanded its focus to include community education.

February 1975 marked the beginning of an important liaison with Brighton Medical Center.   Brighton Medical Center provided office space, a hotline, and clerical services and advisory members for volunteers, enabling the center to continue its work and increase its organizational base.

The Rape Crisis Center incorporated in 1976.   In 1978 it opened an office funded by Area V Mental Health and staffed by C.E.T.A. employees.   The following year, a professional answering service was contracted to serve as a 24-hour hotline for callers.   The hotline remains active today and the volunteer advocates continue to respond to calls – usually working out of their homes.

Brighton Medical Center donated administrative office space in 1986.   The center subsequently moved to private space in Portland but maintained its relationship with Brighton Medical Center and the use of donated space at the hospital for board and committee meetings.

In March of 1995, the center changed its name to Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) to more accurately depict the work performed and the issues dealt with by the agency.

From 2001 to 2005, SARSSM grew significantly creating several new staff positions.   Through careful organization the staff today consists of eight (8) positions including the Executive Director, Crisis Services Manager, Crisis Services Coordinator, two (2) full-time Sexual Assault Educators, and two (2) Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Advocates and Office Manager.

Today, numerous professionally trained male and female hotline advocates answer hotline calls 24-hours a day, 365-days a year.   Advocates respond to calls from victims/survivors, family members, friends, significant others, and professionals working with those impacted by sexual assault.   In 2003, SARSSM received 2,592 hotline calls and our advocates handled over 1,700 hours of direct service to these callers.   Volunteer advocates provided information, referrals, advocacy, and support to individuals reporting incidents of sexual assault.   Meanwhile, our Sexual Assault Educators and Community Outreach Coordinators provided outreach and educational programs to nearly 7,000 students and community members in York and Cumberland counties.

Currently, the SARSSM Board of Directors is comprised of a range of community leaders, including medical personnel, social workers, law enforcement officials, and survivors.   SARSSM continues to emphasize education and community involvement to end sexual violence.   SARSSM strives for equity and representation in Maine State laws.   SARSSM is one of ten rape crisis centers that are all members of the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA).

To learn more about SARSSM and to access information and resources, please visit our website at www.sarsonline.org.